Sunday 1st November 2026
Wow, what a year! So far…
The beginning of autumn brought losses we hadn’t anticipated. One loss hit particularly hit hard as we found ourselves saying goodbye to our Chair Alan Walker, who died, unexpectedly, just a few weeks before he’d planned to retire from his position on the board.
Alan hanging out in our new ‘home’, the café at Nottingham Central Library
We were prepared, and then we weren’t. We have been adapting ever since.
However, Nottingham Writers’ Studio is no stranger to adapting to new situations (remember how we left home and found new homes all over the city?). The strength and actions of the remaining board members, Adam and Nick mean the studio will continue to thrive. Adam, previously Vice Chair, stepped in as Chair and has since recruited two new board members, bringing fresh ideas and more support within the organisation. Tony Hillary and Hannah Norris have been key contributors to the current success of NWS and we are delighted to welcome them on board - there really is strength in numbers.
And in the month where we are about to officially launch our 2026 anthology, we have a lot to look forward to. As I worked closely with Alan on every stage of the production of the Life and Other Stories, supported by our newsletter queen Sofia Jones, it will be a bittersweet occasion as we celebrate, on what was going to be Alan’s farewell event. The title we wrangled over for a couple of months before settling on Life and Other Stories now seems much more poignant than it did when it was first chosen.
Our autumn 2026 anthology is here - launch date November 12th
But, we began the year as five and now we are now we are seven strong, plus all of the associated members that share their skills and talents and enrich the member experience. We have more of that to come. It’s been wonderful to reconnect with long time members like Shreya Sen Handley and Adrian Reynolds this year, and enjoy working with Ian C Douglas and Teika Marija Smits, who have been willing to share their experience and expertise with us, through tailor made workshops.
We feel so lucky to have such a broad talent within our membership, and will continue to work with these individuals to ensure NWS members feel supported, can develop themselves and reach those writing goals. It was great to hear from Phyllis Elago that her first session as facilitator for SHUT UP & WRITE! was such a positive experience.
“Had such an interesting and fun time today leading my first group co-writing session, structured around the theme of conscious intentionality. It reminded me of experiential group sessions from when I did foundational training to become a psychotherapist. I feel it's about bringing a specific awareness into the collective energy.”
I think that’s a wonderful illustration of how collaborations can work. The effort we put in can be rewarded in so many unexpected ways.
It’s time to update the website again (we are jealous of Shreya’s recent makeover), add in our ‘review’ blog and build in some extra member benefits, all to be revealed soon. Also, the AGM comes up at the end of this month - come along members, have your say! We made changes based on your feedback last year and intend to do the same again this year - your opinions matter!
I, for one, am truly grateful to be a part of this supportive writers’ community.
Come and join us!
Deb
